I know this is off topic for SXM but wondering if anyone has done the conversion from chlorine to salt in their pools and whether it was worth the expense. My small dog drinks and eats everything in his path and laps up the chlorine whenever he jumps in the pool. He just went through pancreatitis and so I am looking to avoid any new vet bills this summer. Thanks for any input. And thanks to Philippe and Todd for offering their help on FaceBook! Much appreciated. Don't really want to post anything on the other site anymore.

I have a chlorine pool and have chairs laying all over the steps so the dog cannot get in the pool.
(luckily he only uses the steps and does not jump over the sides.)
People really can't get in either unfortunately.

The dog, when he does get in, doesn't drink the water but obviously some gets in his mouth, and sometimes makes him sick. We always have to bathe him too so the chlorine doesn't burn his skin.

How do you convert to salt?
I have no idea . sorry I can't be of more help but I understand your concerns.

There is a new filtering system that actually uses salt to convert into chlorine but it supposedly does it in such a gentle and accurate way that there is very little chance for overkill with the chlorine.

My little one actually jumps right in (or falls in since he's the clutziest dog I have ever had). He is only allowed in the back yard with a life preserver on now because of this. He fell in twice when he was a puppy and I have the vet bills to prove it.. Luckily I was there both times to fish him out.

It's in-ground and even when he runs around the edge, he sometimes slips and in he goes. Those chairs would never stop him because he's so little and would easily jump on them, stick his nose down to sniff and probably just fall right in...lmao....

Once in, he laps up the water as he swims around. But I don't want to restrict him either since that is why we have a fenced in yard. I'm really hoping that someone chimes in and can tell me if this salt system provides a more natural water and at least somewhat safer for all of us.

Vicki - my husband is talking about doing the same thing. He was worked on a few of them and really like it. Not sure what the costs will be, I bet it won't be pretty, but he seems to think it will be worth it??

We've had a salt generator for 5 years. Love it. Does away with 90% of chemicals that you need for traditional chlorine pool. Best part is the way the water "feels". When you get out, you don't have that chlorine smell/film on you.

We bought our/had it installed by Pinch a Penny. We have a fairly large pool (36x16) and I think it was around $1000 give or take a little. There is no maintenance, that's the beauty. Once every 4-6 months or so we throw a 60 lb. bag of salt in the pool.

Thank you soooo much ilovedivi!!!! Truly appreciated...looks like I'm gonna go that route. Just curious but during the winter months (cold by us) is there something that needs to be done to protect the components?

Fantastic! I just placed a call to my pool guy to see what the damage will be to set this up. I'll let Barbara know what I get as an estimated cost with installation and I'll also ask him if the components can be bought here and easily installed elsewhere and how much that would be.

I converted my pool from chlorine to salt a couple years ago. The payback could take quit a few year if you hire someone to do this. I did it myself and I did it for around $1000.00. I love it. Never add chlorine, just turn a knob now and then. It's peace of mind. No headaches putting and testing the chlorine. The pool gives you a silky feeling, you will tan better and it sparkles. It was well worth it.
Clem

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